ERA’s Walk Leader program provides certification for member organizations that train volunteer walk leaders. A framework plan developed by ERA lists all requirements necessary for obtaining certification.

Standards

Certification and mutual recognition of training help establish uniform standards for walk leaders across Europe. This ensures that high quality standards are upheld for guided walks. Umbrella organizations can apply for certification and all their member clubs and organizations can benefit from it. Additionally, direct members of ERA with their own training programs are also eligible for certification.

The program incentivizes organizations without structured or sufficient training.

Procedures

If an organization wishes to participate in the Walk Leader programme, it must compare the content and methods of its existing training programme with the ERA framework plan/checklist. The requirements for the training program and the minimum duration can be found in the document.
If the organization meets the minimum requirements, it should send the checklist as an application for certification, along with its training programme (in English, German or French), to the ERA secretariat.
If the working group responsible for reviewing the training contents and methods approves the application, an agreement for certification of the member organization will be made with a duration of 5 years.
The certified organizations will receive a diploma from ERA, which confirms that their training meets ERA standards. However, the organizations are still responsible for the education of their voluntary walk leaders. ERA will monitor the quality of the education provided by the certified organizations to ensure that it stays at the required level throughout the 5-year certification period.

Brand

The certification allows an organization to use the “Walk Leader” ERA logo on their voluntary walk leaders’ identification and training diplomas. Additionally, it permits the certified organization to purchase “Walk Leader” pins for their trained voluntary walk leaders. However, being trained in a certified organization does not automatically grant voluntary walk leaders permission to lead walks across Europe. They are only authorized to lead walks in their respective areas while adhering to national laws, rules, and regulations. Furthermore, it is important to note that voluntary walk leaders do not receive extra insurance from ERA; they are only covered by the insurance of their national or regional organization.

Price

ERA charges €200.00 for certification valid for 5 years. Renewal requires another payment of €200.00.

The ERA secretariat sells pins for voluntary walk leaders to certified organizations for €1.50 each. The organizations can set their own prices for distribution.

Assistance

In case an organization requires assistance to meet standards, has questions or needs information, contact the ERA secretariat (secretariat@era-ewv-ferp.com).